Fugitive offender spotted at IUSB

Released from Oregon custody; fled parole.

Released from Oregon custody; fled parole.

January 16, 2009|By ERIN BLASKO Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Twice in the past two weeks, a man resembling a fugitive sex offender has been spotted at Indiana University South Bend, authorities say. IUSB spokesman Ken Baierl said a person resembling Rickey Allen Robbins was spotted by a faculty member Jan. 2 and by an administrator Thursday. The first sighting was in the parking garage and at adjacent Wiekamp Hall, he said, and the second on the first floor of the administration building. The employees reportedly recognized Robbins from a photo of him that has been circulating college campuses. Robbins, 57, who has family in Union City, Ind., was released from custody in Oregon on Dec. 10 and immediately fled parole, according to a campus e-mail alert. He has been known to target college campuses, sometimes posing as a professor to enter campus buildings. Robbins has reportedly committed burglaries and sexual offenses at college campuses across the country. Campus police have alerted the campus community of Robbins' possible presence, Baierl said. An e-mail alert was sent out Thursday afternoon, he said, and a message and photo were posted on the campus' electronic bulletin board. Fliers have been posted at the entrances and exits to all campus buildings. In addition, Baierl said, other Indiana campuses have been alerted, as well as South Bend police. It is unknown whether Robbins has been spotted anywhere else since he fled. A call to his parole officer in Lane County in Oregon was not immediately returned Thursday evening. Robbins is described as about 5 feet 9 inches tall, 140 pounds with brown eyes and brown and gray hair. He has scars on his abdomen, back and chest. Authorities are asking anyone who spots him to call local police. Staff writer Erin Blasko: eblasko@sbtinfo.com (574) 247-7756